Outdoor living is becoming more popular as the temperatures rise. The smell of backyard barbecues and blooming flowers lure us to the patio or porch with our friends and families. These 12 tips will help you create the perfect outdoor living space.
FIRST THINGS FIRST:
Scope
- Plan accordingly by thinking about how you will use the outdoor space.
- Are you a host of dinner parties or barbecues?
- How many guests are you most likely to entertain?
- Do you want a peaceful space to unwind and relax?
- Is your space suitable for pets or children?
Layout
David Pfeiffer, a landscaping architect, suggests that you design an outdoor space with the same care and consideration as when designing a house’s floor plan. Every outdoor space should be logically and functionally connected to the interior of the house. For example, the outdoor dining area should be located near the kitchen.
Surroundings
You can make the most of the beautiful views on your property by setting up a small area for coffee and watching the sunrise, or setting up a table with chairs to serve hors-d’oeuvres or cocktails at sunset. You can also use screens or hedges to hide unsightly eyesores. Matthew Cunningham, a landscape architect, recommends looking beyond the property’s boundaries to see how it fits in with its surroundings.
CONSIDER NATURE
Exposure
The orientation of your outdoor space can determine its functionality. Kelley Weston (landscape ecologist, designer) was forced to face the reality that east-facing spaces can be too cold in summer and winter in the mountains of Central Idaho.
Wind patterns
Pay attention to the wind direction and time of day. Some areas might be quiet in the morning, but may experience a steady evening breeze. You don’t want to create a firepit area with the seating facing downwind or create a lovely outdoor dining area under a wind tunnel.
Comfort
Shade is important if your outdoor space receives a lot of sun in the afternoon and early evening. Shade can be provided by pergolas, umbrellas, covered patios or trees that provide shade from the sun and heat.
THE FOUNDATION
Hardscape
Weston recommends a mixture of surfaces. A portion of the ground should be soft and inviting while leaving enough hard material for furniture and chairs. He favors natural elements, including wood decking, large boulders, decomposed Granite, and flagstone.
CHOOSING PLANTS
Although avid gardeners need a place to unwind. For a low-maintenance outdoor space, choose easy-care greenery. Shirley Watts is a designer and builder. She prefers nice, round shrubs that can grow to about 4 inches per year. See more easy-care shrubs. Her favorite way to create privacy is to use vertical surfaces for green walls. She likes to leave the overhead space open for views of the sky. Keep in mind that although plants that attract pollinators and bees are good for your garden, they might not be the best choice for your dining space. See Planting Ideas For Your Garden for more information on plant selection.
Furnishings
The intended use of your outdoor space, such as dining, relaxing, entertaining, or a combination of both, will determine the right furniture. Choose furniture that can be used outdoors, is weather-resistant and washable. Pfeiffer suggests small, portable tables for drinks and snacks. To bring your interior design outside, use colors and patterns.
CREATE AMBIENCE
Water
A water feature can be a relaxing and refreshing addition to any space and Charleston SC patio installation. You don’t have to create a waterfall or a fountain. According to Weston, the mere suggestion of water can make a difference. Studies have shown that the sound and sight of water flowing can increase relaxation and lower blood pressure. You might be able to design an outdoor living space that makes the most of nature’s natural resources, such as a lake, ocean or babbling stream.
Fire
Even though it is cool outside, keep the party going indoors when it is. You can extend your outdoor entertaining season with a fireplace or fire pit that has comfortable seating. In milder climates, enjoy warm evenings by the fire all year. You can also include storage spaces for marshmallow-roasting and blankets. Fire Features offers more ideas to heat your outdoor space.
Lighting
Lighting can make your outdoor space feel like an extension of your home. Outdoor cooking areas can be lit to make it easier to prepare meals outside. Up-lighting trees and fencing further out can add visual interest to the space. Decorative lighting can be used to enhance safety and brightness steps and paths.
Call Porter Hayes Landscaping LLC now if you want the help of landscaping experts for outdoor living space projects.
Porter Hayes Landscaping LLC
Charleston, SC 29419
(843) 532-3270
http://www.porterhayeslandscaping.com/
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